The Annual Youth Development Summit, organized by the Africa Bridge Initiatives in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts Alumni Association, University of Lagos (UNILAG), was held 13th of February, at UNILAG in Lagos. The summit, themed “Digital Economy and the Future,” featured panel discussions, presentations, and the official launch of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Africa Bridge Initiative and Bournemouth University, United Kingdom.

Dr. Mories Atoki, the Chief Executive Officer of the African Business Coalition for Health (ABC Health), delivered a keynote address, calling on the next generation of African leaders to leverage technology, education, and innovation to shape the continent’s economic future. Dr. Atoki emphasized that Africa’s future hinges on the ability of its young population to adapt to the rapid pace of technological advancements and the global competition they bring.

According to Dr. Atoki, the thirst for knowledge among African youths is a powerful catalyst for change. “It’s important to be present when knowledge is available,” she said, highlighting the unprecedented access to information and resources in today’s world. Dr. Atoki stressed the necessity of staying current with global developments, reminding the audience, “We are not competing against Africa; we are competing against the world.”

Dr. Atoki encouraged the youths to take advantage of the global connectivity provided by the internet. “The internet connects you to other parts of the world. Why aren’t you developing yourself?” she asked, urging young Africans to realize the urgency of keeping pace with global advancements. She also outlined the vital role that technology plays in shaping Africa’s future. “Access to technology tools isn’t just about financial resources—it’s about being engaged and open to change,” she explained.

Dr. Atoki shared a personal story about her own commitment to continuous learning. Within a few months, she completed more than 10 online courses from prestigious institutions such as Oxford and MIT. “In the past, we didn’t have access to these kinds of opportunities. But now, everything is at our fingertips. The question is, will we take advantage of it?” she said.

Dr. Atoki encouraged students and young professionals to explore the abundance of free educational resources available online. “The internet is full of opportunities for learning—whether academic or vocational. All you need is curiosity and the willingness to dive in,” she said, urging the youth to overcome any fear or uncertainty that might hinder them from accessing this wealth of information.

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Lagos, Professor Ilupeju Akanbi Mudasiru, also highlighted the importance of digital tools in fostering creativity. While acknowledging the usefulness of digital tools and machines, he emphasized that they should not replace personal knowledge, critical thinking, or innovation. He urged students and young people to maintain their self-confidence and creativity despite the growing reliance on technology.

PROF. OLATUNDE BABAWALE SENDS GOODWILL MESSAGE THROUGH REPRESENTATIVE AT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT

Professor Olatunde Babawale, Board Chairman of the Africa Bridge Initiative, extended his goodwill message through his representative, he emphasized the critical role of technology and innovation in empowering African youths and driving the continent’s socio-economic growth.

As a renowned academic and expert in his field, Prof. Babawale highlighted the importance of embracing digital technologies to unlock Africa’s vast potential.

Prof. Babawale’s representative conveyed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote digital literacy, skills development, and innovation among African youths. He encouraged the participants to harness the power of technology to create solutions to Africa’s pressing challenges and to drive positive change in their communities.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Opeoluwa Taiwo, Executive Director of the Africa Bridge Initiative (ABI), called for increased collaboration to ensure that more youth acquire the specialized skills needed in the technology sector. Taiwo noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) was among the top skills required to thrive in the post-pandemic world. He highlighted the rising demand for AI talent across industries and the transformation of jobs due to technological advancements.

Taiwo urged the government to partner with the private sector to better equip youth with the skills needed to succeed in a competitive job market. He also shared that ABI has developed numerous programs designed to enhance youth development in society.